Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publication: March 27th 2012, Plume
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Own Copy from NBS
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

Misfit Review:

I didn't really know when I'd pick up to read Attachments when I first got it out on a whim while impulsively shopping for books. I guess it happened after I got my first Rainbow Rowell book during Christmas and I knew deep, deep down that I needed another one. Attachments wasn't that book, but Eleanor and Park wasn't available, so I ditched that and got Attachments instead. It took months before I picked up the book. I regret thinking I wouldn't love it. I did. I loved it way too much.

“I’d know you in the dark,” he said. “From a thousand miles away. There’s nothing you could become that I haven’t already fallen in love with.”

So, it all starts with an email where Jennifer and her friend Beth are talking to each other about the most random of things. In the company that they work in, they are not allowed to use their company emails for personal chatting. When you are caught, you might get fired. The one who mans that job is Lincoln, who still lives with his Mom after graduating again from college and seems to be having a hard time moving on from his past relationship with cheerful Sam. Lincoln might not like his job so much, but he enjoys reading Jennifer and Beth's emails. And he's fallen in love with Beth in the process.

What I love about this novel is how the characters are each their own, especially Lincoln. He seems like a huge lump of negative energy, really and sometimes you can't help but be annoyed with him. But I honestly just found him to be very adorable. Beth and Jennifer are the two people in this world who you'd wish you could be friends with. They are such fun! Even though you only get to actually read their emails, you find yourselves curious with the lives they lead and it's actually quite cinematic! The characters are not at all lackluster because of their personalities and the conflicts that challenge their being, Lincoln especially.

“Things get better — hurt less — over time. If you let them.”

I never would guess that a male character could be this sensitive and thoughtful of so many things. And then his physical description doesn't actually match his thoughts and actions most of the time. I honestly had been imagining Channing Tatum while reading the book. Because we all know Channing Tatum is well, sensitive!

“Do you feel like he ignores you?"

"No. I feel like he doesn't see me.”

You find yourselves committed to the characters and the situations presented. Even a wedding could feel like such a huge deal to the reader, especially when the character isn't exactly a huge fan of the upcoming wedding. There were many vulnerable situations in the book, from Lincoln's past lovelife, his relationship with his Mom and sister and even with his friends, but that one moment with Jennifer losing her baby, that broke me. OH SO INSTANTLY! It wasn't such a huge shocker for the readers. We were kind of given subtle hints, but when you find out that it actually happened, you just... I put down the book for a while and just. Yeah. stay. I need to get my feels out.

“I know that people change. I thought ... I thought we're going to change together. I thought that's what it meant to be in love.”

Attachments, in my opinion, is Rainbow Rowell's most underrated and under appreciated book. Well, if you compare it to Fangirl and Eleanor and Park that is, mainly because it focuses more on adult relationships rather than teens, but it has become one of my favorite books of all time because of it's simplicity, allure of the protagonist, and a great plot line, that to some might be a bit complex or unappealing, but to me, it was genius! Kudos to Rainbow Rowell for making this wonderful story! 

So grab a copy of the book now for you will be left feeling attached! :)

About The Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.

When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.

She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Top Ten Books That Should Be In Your Beach Bag

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where, each week, a Top Ten list is posted based on a particular topic.

Now for someone like me who lives at the other side of the world, summer is almost officially over and it sorta sucks but I've made the most out of it in my book. Anyway, since there are some of you who will still go out to the beach since you are on "that" side of the world, I'll give you some recommendations on what should be on your beach bag this summer. Or for those who just finished their summer, something to still read so that you can prepare... I really dunno if I made any sense but here's the Top 10!

1. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I haven't read this book yet but I have been seeing a lot of good reviews lately so kudos! Anyway, why should you have it in your beach bag? It's a story about a girl who works with her family as fishers and housecleaners that make the people in the island they live in, happy. Then everything turns around when she doesn't want to do all that stuff anymore and goes into a summertime adventure. I think that it also involves surfers...

2. Divergent by Veronica Roth

If you like dystopian novels and  would love to see some real action going on to spice up the summer, then bring a copy of Divergent along with you. Coz even at the beach, BOOKWORMS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED! Hahaha! See what I did there?

3. The Catcher in The Rye by J. D. Salinger

A short read that would have you thinking for hours what the heck is going on in Holden Caulfield's head. Plus he's unusually sexy. So, if you want to stay out from the crowd, just put on some sunblock, lay down and chill with this book.

4. It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

I am still mourning his death. Please. Anyway, this book is a "REVEAL THINGS TO ME" kind of book. It packs a punch, saying that you are not the only person who is better at something. Humility works and while on summer break, at the beach, read this book and you might consider changing a few things about yourself or maybe appreciate others around you more.

5. Every Day by David Levithan

Love is a powerful thing, yeah? Well, A is a wonderful character and sensitive and just. I suggest you bring this to the beach so you'd be asking to be carried around after because you cannot get over the beach. Way to extend laziness by making people do things for you during the summer.

6. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

The title itself suggests enough but what sets it apart is that it brings a feeling of appreciation for the people around you and that life is not just built upon hate or friendships that can never be mended. A totally awesome read to cry upon while dilly-dallying in the beach.

7. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

I keep on suggesting somehow sad books to you for the summer huh? Well, E&P is sorta no different but what's wonderful with this novel is that through pain, you have someone who you can always lean on for support and that no matter how big your difference is towards each other, friendships can always be built upon a bond, so never be afraid. Maybe while you roam around the beach, you can make friends with random people. What an awesome time.

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Still, a very suggestive title, this book focuses on Belly and how her summer changed with her recent visit at Cousins Beach. The book sorta takes you into this place where chances are, someone will always take notice of you and that love is a sneaky little thing. Find a beach that can bring you either a Jeremiah or Conrad :)

9. Summer at The Short Bus by Bethany Crandell

Again, a suggestive title for the summer, this book teaches us that the most unusual of friendships are the strongest that you'd ever have. I haven't read the book yet, but I will have Miss Bethany Crandell on my interview list, so watch out for that!

10. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Controversy during the summer? This is a must-read. If you like gripping, intriguing and pretentious stories, then go for something out of the ordinary rather than just the sweet romance-y stuff. It's about a forbidden love between siblings and it's one of the most dysfunctional things I might have grasped over. I have a copy of it but have yet to read it. It's gonna get rainy here on our place, so I guess the mood is much more fitting, but at the beach, it is also too perfect!

And there you have it! I hope that you have enjoyed this week's topic! Leave comments below and tell me what you think of this list or what books you'll have on your summer bag! I'll see you on Tuesday!

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

It's a good day! And blogging feels great! And book blogging is wonderful! So, I decided to change the template a bit to make it cleaner looking??? HAHA! But yeah, since I changed some of the things in my blog, maybe my content can follow.... But don't worry...Ol' BOOK NERD is still around, and I'm gonna eat all the books I can find and continuously do reviews for them!

So from the booklist that I did for January and February, here is a review of one of them. I present to you Fangirl.

                                                   

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Misfit's Synopsis: 

Cath is a girl  who just doesn't know how to fit in like her twin Wren. Both are obsessed with Simon Snow novels but unlike Cath, Wren would like to live her life outside of Simon Snow fan fiction and go out with her new friends in college and enjoy it. Cath on the other hand, is staying in the world of fanfiction, writing about Simon and Baz. Cath learns that college, taking care of her dad, having friends and falling in love, isn't as easy as those in fiction.

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(Click here for Good Reads Excerpt)


Misfit's Review:


As a fangirl myself, I felt Cath's sentiments and related to her in a couple of ways. But on the critical side, the character is indeed weak, like some reviewers think. I could feel a bit of her growth in the book but it took so long to develop that some scenes seemed unusually unnecessary...Like Nick...But nevermind him.

I ended up more interested in Levi than the main girl. I did enjoy Cath's flustery moments, her relationship with her family and how she values her fanfiction but I saw so much more potential for the story to grow. I guess, while reviewing for my Good Reads account, I was too giddy that I only minded the goodness in it.

READ: Fangirl (Good Reads Review)

But all in all, the book was a delight. Rainbow Rowell brings a lighthearted novel that will tug your heartstrings. Of course, my lil' fangirl heart would be in love with the characters. Levi for example. LET ME HAVE HIM FOREVER! It was fun reading parts of him teasing, worrying and being such a good guy to Cath. And as for favorite character, it has to be Reagan. I would love to have her as a best friend.

Rainbow is soooo pretty... Can I have her as my best friend?

Rainbow Rowell was able to mesh together characters of different beliefs and personalities and made it work. But of course, I wish it could've been greater.

If you are all for a Young Adult novel full of heart, laughter and fangirlishness, then grab a copy for your Kindle, KOBO, and BOOKSHELF.


RATING:

For Filipino readers, Fangirl on trade paperback is available on National Book Store for Php425 and on Fully Booked for Php430.

On hardcover, Fangirl is available on NBS for special orders for Php899 and on Fully Booked for Php855.

For international readers, Fangirl is available on Amazon for $10.74 on hardcover,  $7.55 on paperback and $9.99 on KINDLE.

Follow National Book Store on Twitter: @nbsalert
Follow Fully Booked on Twitter: @_fullybooked

And if you are a Rainbow Rowell fan, go and follow Rainbow Rowell on Twitter for her funny tweets about her Mom and cats and maybe a sequel to Eleanor and Park: @rainbowrowell

And if you're Filipino, follow @RainbowRowellPH to join in the fandom!


That's it for this book review. Until next time MISFITS!

YO! T'WAS MY BIRTHDAY! THANK YOU!

Happy December misfits! I know I haven't been around lately coz of school! I'm sorry! But thank you to all those who still view my posts! ME LOVES YOU!

Anyway, if a few of you know, I celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago, November 27 and I officially turned 20... (OH GOD! I keep reminding myself! WRINKLES! ACK!) But even with the numbers rolling in, I must say that my 20th is one of the most amazing birthdays evaaaah!

So before the actual date of my birthday, I went on Twitter to stalk a few people that I love from AUTHORS, TV personalities, musicians, and of course, one of the best ones yet, RYAN HIGA... *warm and fuzzy feeling seeping through*

So imma insert some print screens of these fantabulous tweets. Please be minded of the tweets I sent them just so that they'd actually reply back... Blackmail inducer right here. LOL!

AUTHORS (These will be included in the BOOK NERD page of the blog) :

This one is from Kiera Cass, author of The Selection Trilogy. Go check that out! I flipped a bit coz of this... She's also a huge One Direction fan! Directioners there who read this, go follow her on Twitter.

Rainbow Rowell is one of my favorites though I haven't actually read all her books. She's just so sweet! I wish you saw the emoticons. But t'was too late. Anyway, those are hearts! :) She also favorites and retweets my tweets. She replies a lot too! You gotta love her! <3

Rainbow Rowell is the author of the New York Times Best Seller books, Attachments, Eleanor and Park and FANGIRL

Jay Asher is a recent favorite though he's been an author for a while now. He's the author of Th1rt3en Reasons Why (which I will review on. This will be updated) as well as The Future of Us with  Carolyn Mackler. He's been an amazing guy to talk to, even though they were short... I look forward to his new book! :)

And of course, the very first person I actually stalked on Twitter for a birthday reply greet! Meet Mr. Neil Gaiman. He's the author of many best sellers such as The Graveyard Book, Anansi Boys, Stardust, Coraline, Good Omens, American Gods and he's most recent success, The Ocean at the End of The Lane, which I'll also review on soon! :)

He's such a fantastic character and he's so funny! Go follow him!

Well, that's it for authors. The next ones that I bombarded with tweets to reply to me are famous TV personalities. :)